The Puracé volcano, located in the department of Cauca, in southwestern Colombia, has seen a significant increase in activity in recent weeks. The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) has decided to raise the alert level from yellow to orange, effective August 1, 2026, due to increased seismic energy and emissions of gas and ash. This measure implies that the possibility of a larger eruption is now higher, although authorities emphasize that it is not imminent.
Data collected by the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory since July 20th show a substantial change in the volcano's behavior. Columns of gas and ash have been detected reaching 3.400 meters above the summit, with estimated temperatures of 140 degrees Celsius, as well as an increase in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) that have reached levels never before recorded since monitoring began in 1993.
Change of alert and current activity
The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) explained that the decision to raise the alert level to orange is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the monitored parameters. Among the most significant changes are the increased energy of earthquakes located one kilometer below the crater, as well as the elevated temperature of ash emissions and the release of gases into the atmosphere. Nathalia Contreras, Director of Geohazards at the SGC, stated that "although we don't know if an eruption will occur, we must be prepared."
Monitoring systems have recorded sulfur dioxide fluxes of up to 4.200 tons per day and carbon dioxide concentrations in the ground of 688 parts per million. These values, along with seismicity and ash emissions, represent the highest levels detected at the volcano since 1993 , with the exception of ground deformation, which has remained slow and constant since 2022.
The coordinator of the Popayán Volcanological and Seismological Observatory, Jaime Raigosa, urged the public to stay away from the upper slopes of the Puracé, Piocollo, and Curiquinga volcanoes, as sudden emissions of gas and ash could occur, posing a direct risk to life. He also recommended consulting only official sources, such as the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC), local municipalities, and the Cauca Departmental Government, and verifying any information circulating on social media.
Recent alert history
The current orange alert level is not an isolated event. Since 2021, Puracé has shown gradual changes in its activity. In March 2022, the highest number of daily earthquakes since monitoring began was recorded, preceding a small phreatic eruption in the Curiquinga volcano crater. Subsequently, on May 3, 2024, the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) declared an orange alert for the first time due to significant variations in seismicity, ground deformation, and gas emissions, a status that remained in effect until July 5, 2024.
The volcano returned to orange alert status on November 29, 2025, following renewed seismic activity and the reappearance of ash emissions not seen since 1977. That alert lasted until January 22, 2026. Now, just over six months later, Puracé has returned to orange alert status, marking the third time since 2024 that it has reached this level . The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) warns that, although temporary variations in activity may occur, a temporary decrease does not imply that the volcano has regained stability.
Risk to communities
According to the volcanic hazard map prepared by the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) in 2014, the Puracé volcano's area of ​​influence is primarily inhabited by Indigenous and farming communities. The municipalities of Puracé, Popayán, and Sotará, in the department of Cauca, are considered at risk from a potential eruption of significant magnitude. Also located within the hazard zone are the Puracé, Kokonuko, and Paletará Indigenous Reserve, the Juan Tama Indigenous resettlement area of ​​the Nasa people, and the Misak people's settlement.
Among the phenomena that could occur are pyroclastic flows in Puracé and lahars or mudflows in Paletará and Popayán . The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) has recommended that communities stay informed through official channels and coordinate with traditional authorities through meetings, assemblies, and by activating communication networks to inform decision-making. Julio Fierro Morales, Director General of the SGC, stated that the agency is working in close collaboration with communities and institutions within the National Disaster Risk Management System to ensure that decisions are based on reliable scientific information.
Prevention and monitoring measures
Following the change to orange alert, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) activated the National Crisis Room to coordinate the response with local authorities. Javier Pava, director of the UNGRD, indicated that the declaration means all agencies at the local, departmental, and national levels must be on alert and provide timely information to communities.
The Colombian Geological Survey (SGC), for its part, has intensified its monitoring of the volcano. The monitoring network has 97 stations, 60 of which have telemetry data. While the orange alert is in effect, daily bulletins will be issued through the agency's website and social media channels, as well as to local and national media outlets. Authorities recommend that the public implement municipal response plans, carry out preventive evacuations if instructed by authorities, and protect themselves from ashfall by covering their respiratory system, skin, eyes, and drinking water sources.
The Puracé volcano, one of Colombia's most active, has once again become the focus of attention due to its increased activity. With gas and ash emissions reaching record levels since monitoring began, and having already reached orange alert status three times since 2024, authorities are maintaining constant vigilance and urging the public to rely exclusively on official channels. The activation of the National Crisis Room and the issuance of daily bulletins reflect the seriousness of the situation, although the Colombian Geological Survey (SGC) emphasizes that the orange alert does not imply an imminent eruption, but rather that the probability of one is higher.
